• Specialism:
  Sight Loss, Asperger Syndrome, Autistic Spectrum Disorders, Moderate Learning Difficulties.
• Residential/Day:
  Residential and day places
• Course Start Dates:
  Courses start throughout the year
• Course Length per Year in weeks:
  38 weeks per year
• Maximum Student Numbers:
  Maximum 150 students
• Age Range:
  Age 16+

General Description of College:
QAC is a friendly college located in one of Birmingham’s pleasant residential suburbs. We support day and residential students with several houses on campus that are fully staffed. Facilities include new buildings with the latest technology, a fitness centre, sports field, five-a-side pitch and student centre. The spacious art studio, music room, library and performing arts facilities are especially popular.

The Curriculum:
Our curriculum covers a wide range of interests and abilities including entry level courses (Preparation for Life), a range of BTEC qualifications at different levels and including Art and Design, Media, Performing Arts, IT, Sport and Leisure, Health and Social Care and Hospitality. NVQs are available in both Manufacturing and Sport & Recreation. Enrichment programmes enhance the curriculum and help students to develop their self esteem, confidence and independence. Our residential curriculum develops essential skills for personal development such as independent living and social skills. Upon completing their time at QAC, learners progress to mainstream further education, higher education, employment or community work.

Specialist Facilities:
The specialist curriculum includes a wide range of assistive technology, braille, moon, and orientation and mobility. Additional support includes speech and language therapy, dyslexia support, counselling, benefits advice, a medical team, key workers and mentors.

Statements:

1. expertise in working with learners who are blind or visually impaired
2. expertise in working with learners with Asperger syndrome
3. expertise in working with learners with autism spectrum disorder
4. expertise in meeting the needs of students with moderate learning difficulties
5. opportunities to work towards qualifications within Foundation Learning
6. residential provision linked to the academic year
7. registered with the Care Quality Commission
8. specialist orientation and mobility training to enable independent travel
9. opportunities to improve literacy, numeracy and/or communication skills
10. day provision
11. opportunities to improve Information and learning technology skills
12. in-house speech and language therapy
13. extensive use of assistive and adaptive technologies
14. a programme to help learners to look after themselves more independently
15. comprehensive support in the learning and use of Braille and/or Moon
16. opportunities to explore a range of living options after college
17. on site medical provision
18. waking night residential staff
19. guidance and counselling services
20. opportunities to take part in a wide range of social, leisure and sporting activities